Dear families,

It is with both excitement and sadness that I announce that our Intermediate teacher Mrs. Amanda Matessich has been appointed Vice-Principal of St. Andrew’s Public School in Cambridge effective February 28. We wish her the best of luck as she pursues this leadership role. I am confident Mrs. Matessich and the new teacher will collaborate to make a smooth transition.

Thank you to our wonderful students and staff for a great Carnaval. The Grade Seven and Eight students organized the event for students in Kindergarten to Grade 6. The students demonstrated teamwork and respect during the event. I’m very proud of all of our students!

Tomorrow is beach day. Looking forward to seeing our students in their best beach outfits.

Report cards for students in Kindergarten through Grade 8 will be sent home on Friday, February 17. Please contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions or concerns.

The school will be closed on Monday, February 20 for Family Day. Enjoy this time with family and friends.

Andrea Michelutti, Principal

Pink Shirt Day

On Wednesday, February 22 we encourage all students, staff, and families to wear pink shirts as we recognize Pink Shirt Day. This year, we will be using the theme “Be Calm and Stop Bullying.” During the week, students will be working in teams to create pink shirt posters shared calm down strategies. I encourage you to read the article Rude vs. Mean vs. Bullying: Defining the Differences to support your child when dealing with conflicts or bullying situations:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/signe-whitson/bullying_b_2188819.html

Kindergarten Registration

We are delighted to welcome your child to Kindergarten. The purpose of Kindergarten is to help build a strong foundation for learning in a safe and caring play-based environment. Kindergarten promotes the social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development of all children. The Kindergarten program is based on the understanding that children develop at their own pace. Children in Kindergarten are provided with a secure, respectful and nurturing environment, where their developmental needs can be supported through varied experiences.

We are asking that all families register their children before March 30 to ensure we have the correct number of classes for the upcoming school year. Please share the registration information with your neighbours.

The online registration is open for students born in 2013 for Junior Kindergarten. Please visit this website https://www.wrdsb.ca/kindergarten/its-time-to-register/#.WJOniNIrJeM.

After you register online, please call the school to book an appointment for the week of February 13 to February 17. Appointments are available between 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. You will need to bring the following documents when you come to the school to complete the registration:
Proof of address: utility bill, proof of Ontario Property Assessment Notice, or lease agreement
Proof of birth: birth certificate, Canadian Passport, birth registration, citizenship card or statement of live birth
Proof of custody where applicable: custody orders, court-ordered guardianship

Please submit your child’s immunization information online directly to the Region of Waterloo Public Health http://chd.region.waterloo.on.ca/en/healthyLivingHealthProtection/ivpd.asp

We are excited to meet all of our new students on March 23 between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Upcoming dates:

February 20 – Family Day
February 21 – Kodaly Choir 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
February 22 – Primary Popcorn
February 23 – 3C & 3D swimming; K5 open house at 2:00 p.m.
February 24 – Grade 7 & 8 tubing at Chicopee; Book Fair in the Library
February 27 – Book Fair in the library
February 28 – Kodaly Choir 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.; School Council meeting at 6:00 p.m., Book Fair in the Library, Kodaly Choir 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
March 1 – Book Fair in Library, Blues in the Schools concert Grade 4 to Grade 8 at (;30 a.m.
March 2 – 3C & 3D swimming
March 7 – Grade 7 Jump information night 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
March 9 – 3C & 3D swimming; 6A Museum
March 10 – Jersey Day
March 13 – 17 – Mid-Winter Break
April 7 – PA Day
April 14 – Good Friday
April 17 – Easter Monday
May 5 – PA Day
May 22 – Victoria Day
June 2 – PA Day
June 30 – PA Day